New affordable homes in South Staffordshire village will 'allow people to live in an area they love'

Housing Plus Group's £2.1 million development, known as Coopers Meadow, located off Common Lane in Bednall, in South Staffordshire, comprises a mix of two and three-bedroom homes for social rent and shared ownership.

The housing association was awarded £660,000 in funding from Homes England for the project to build high quality, affordable and energy efficient homes, which had the backing of Acton Trussell, Bednall and Teddesley Hay Parish Council.

Wayne Gethings, group chief executive of Housing Plus Group, said: “Our new group is committed to working with our partners to respond to local need and Coopers Meadow is an excellent example of that.

“The homes for social rent and shared ownership will allow people to live in an area they love, in an affordable home close to family and friends.

“We are grateful for the support of Homes England, South Staffordshire Council and the parish council in bringing this project forward so it can help meet the demand for affordable, high-quality housing in the area.”

The scheme also includes a car park for use by the parish council, neighbouring school and residents which will help to making the area safer and more convenient for the local community.

Dr Alex Thompson, chairman of Acton Trussell, Bednall and Teddesley Hay Parish Council, said: “The people who move in here will bring some new vibrancy to the village. Anybody who’s got children living locally that are desperate to move out, these are wonderful starter homes for them to start their own families and continue living here.

“Along with the homes that have been built here, the community have benefitted from a community car park, which will benefit the church, the school and the rest of the parish.”

Grant Mitchell, assistant director for enterprise and growth at South Staffordshire Council, added: “I think the development is superb, it’s going to be a real benefit to the local community in the village, providing affordable homes for those that might not necessarily be able to afford to buy in this area."

Built in partnership with Harper Group, the homes have been fitted with solar PV panels and battery storage to reduce the carbon footprint of the development. 

Antony Rees, group managing director of J. Harper & Sons (Leominster) Limited, said: “We are delighted to have completed eight new homes at Coopers Meadow in Bednall for Housing Plus Group. The local area has seen a remarkable transformation, with the addition of high quality, eco-friendly, and affordable homes.

“This development has delivered crucial opportunities for the Bednall community, enhancing housing accessibility while also fostering economic growth, environmental improvements, and stronger social cohesion."

Lewis Young, senior manager of affordable housing delivery at Homes England, said the project had delivered "much-needed new homes the people of Bednall can be proud of" - adding: “As the Government’s housing and regeneration agency, increasing the supply of quality affordable homes remains one of our key objectives and we are committed to supporting ambitious housebuilders of all sizes to build those homes and communities."

Completion of the new development follows the successful merger of The Wrekin Housing Group and Housing Plus Group in January 2025, which has created one of the largest housing associations in the West Midlands.